Back Pain Forum - herinated discs at work

On october 27th 2003 I was directed to move a soda vending machine from an area at work that was having new tile installed. At the time I protested noting that the macines were extremely heavy. I was informed I should find another job if I did not like it. So wishing to keep my job I submitted along with 2 other co-workers. Our only means of lifting the machine was a standard office dolley and zero safety equipment. Myself and my co-workers proceded to attempt to lean the machine over onto the dolly. The moment the weight shifted and the machine tipped over I was holding it on the lowering corner with my right shoulder. As the wieght shifted the pressure twisted my torso and popped my lower back and I went down into a heap. I was sent to the wc clinic for eveluation where I was told I had a strained muscles given meds and sent home. 2 weeks passed and the pain gradually became greater and greater to the point where I cold not sleep, stand, sit or walk for long periods. All while being made fun of by my supervisor and general staff. In december 2003 I was finally sent for an mri where it was found I had a disc herniation at the l-4,l-5. I was then reffered to a pain managent specialist. My first pm appt was in mid jan '04..At which time cortisteroid injections were recommended. I received the injection series thru the month of march with absolutlely no result. The pm Dr. Then requested a discogram on march 28 '04... It was rejected 3 times by wc till after much argumnet by the pm Dr...He is the wc dr!!!...Wc finally approved it..For june 6th '04..The discogram showed disc herniation in the l-4,l-5 disc with lateral tears and disc herniation in the l-5,s-1 with extreme lateral tearing.... Both produced a 10 of 10 on the pain scale. The pm dr then requested an immediate nuecleoplasty procedure. The procedure was finally approved for sept 1st '04..It was unsuccessful. On sept. 17 '04 the pm dr requested an idet procedure to try to eleviate the pain. The request was submited and re-submited 6 times and rejected everytime. Finally on march '05 the wc ins co approved a nerve block procedure which was of course a dismal failure. The pm dr then requested a disc decompression procedure in april '05..The procedure was denied 3 times...It was at this time I was notified by my employer they could no longer accomodate me and was put on 3 months leave using the fmla and all my vacation time. The wc did nothing during these 3 months and I was susequently terminated (fired) on august 8th '05. This brings us to august '05..I was informed just 2 days after I was terminated that I would be getting my disc decompression after all and that it would be on sept 1st. I had the procedure and absolutely nothing has changed. I am still in terrible pain in my lower back and down the rear of my right leg...Yes I have retained an attorney..This is what made the wc ins. People get the decomp approved. But I am now jobless with 2 children 40 yrs old and under constant pain as well as scrutiney by a wc ins co that treats me like dirt...Would anyone have any suggestions that may be of assistance short of going postal?

Thanks for listening
rick